HARRISBURG, October 24, 2016 − State Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne/Carbon) and State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) announced that the Coal Street Redevelopment Authority will receive $215,000 in state funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development Act 13 Greenways, Recreation, and Trails program.

The Coal Street Redevelopment Authority will receive this funding to expand the Coal Street Ice Rink to add a second ice rink. The ice rink is utilized by residents and by the area’s local ice hockey teams, including the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Wilkes University’s newly formed Men’s and Women’s hockey teams.

“The Greenways, Recreation, and Trails program is designed to fund projects that invests in regional recreation assets. The expansion of Coal Street Park in Wilkes-Barre will improve access to unique recreational amenities that improve the quality of life in Luzerne County and enhance a growing athletic partnership between the Coal Street Redevelopment Authority and Wilkes University,” said Senator Yudichak.

“With increased participation in hockey in Luzerne County, the expansion of the Coal Street Ice Rink is vital in providing area teams with a first class facility to showcase the burgeoning talent in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Eddie Day Pashinksi.

Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tony George added, “As mayor, I am very excited to learn that Wilkes-Barre has been awarded this grant which will help fund improvements and expansion of the Coal Street Ice Rink. I am thankful to Sen. Yudichak and Rep. Pashinski for their diligence in acquiring this grant.”

The project is funded by the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP).

Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects.